Road rule information service
Have a road rule question?
RAA’s here to help on a wide range of motoring and road rule issues. This is a free service and we can provide information on topics such as:
- general road rules
- licence and registration queries
- traffic offences
- what to do after a crash
Email our experts Call 8202 4570
While our staff can provide information on motoring and road rules, we can't provide legal advice. Free legal advice is available by calling the Legal Services Commission on 1300 366 424.
You can also check out our fact sheets and frequently asked questions.
Expiation notices (fines) and demerit points
How does the demerit points system work?
If you commit a traffic offence you may accumulate demerit points even if the offence was committed interstate.
Demerit points stay on your licence record for three years from the date of the offence.
If a full licence holder accumulates 12 or more demerit points they are disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver’s licence or permit.
Drivers who accumulate:
- 12 to 15 points lose their right to drive for three months
- 16 to 20 points lose their right to drive for four months
- more than 20 points lose their right to drive for five months
Drivers on a learner’s permit or provisional licence who accrue four or more demerit points will be disqualified from driving for 6 months.
If you have questions about an expiation notice you’ve received, or you have a query on Australian Road Rules, call RAA's Mobility, Safety and Road Rules Consultant on 8202 4570.
Check out some of the most common traffic offences to see the cost in fines and demerit points
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Speeding fines
Speeding fines
Offence Expiation fee Victims of Crime Levy Demerit points By less than 10km/h $196 $99 2 points By 10km/h but less than 20km/h $442 $99 3 points By 20km/h but less than 30km/h $899 $99 5 points By 30km/h or more $1,635 $99 7 points By 45km/h or more* $1,840 $99 9 points
*Exceeding the speed limit by 45km/h also incurs a six month on the spot licence disqualification and the Police may also wheel clamp or impound the offender's vehicle.
Last updated in July 2023. For more information on penalties, visit the state government's My Licence website.
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Disobeying traffic lights
Disobeying traffic lights
Offence Expiation Fee Victims of Crime Levy Demerit Points Failing to stop for a red traffic light $540 $99 3 points Failing to stop at a yellow traffic light $540 $99 3 points Failing to stop at a red traffic arrow $540 $99 3 points Failing to stop at a yellow traffic arrow $540 $99 3 points Last updated in July 2023. For more information on penalties, visit the state government's My Licence website.
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Driving an unregistered vehicle
Driving an unregistered vehicle
Offence Expiation Fee Victims of Crime Levy Demerit Points Driving unregistered vehicle $457 $99 N/A Driving uninsured vehicle (CTP)* $845 $99 N/A
*CTP is payable with your vehicle registration. If you fail to pay your registration on time, you have a 31-day grace period, after which your vehicle becomes uninsured.
Last updated in July 2023. For more information on penalties, visit the state government's My Licence website.
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Seatbelts/mobile phones
Seatbelts/mobile phones
Failing to wear your own seatbelt as a driver, or ensuring passengers are restrained (adults or children)
Offence Expiation Fee Victims of Crime Levy Demerit Points Driver failing to wear seatbelt $422 $99 3 points One passenger unrestrained $422 $99 3 points More than one passenger unrestrained $499 $99 5 points
Using a mobile phone
Offence Expiation Fee Victims of Crime Levy Demerit Points Using mobile phone $540 $99 3 points Last updated in July 2023. For more information on penalties, visit the state government's My Licence website.
Speeding fines
| Offence | Expiation fee | Victims of Crime Levy | Demerit points |
| By less than 10km/h | $196 | $99 | 2 points |
| By 10km/h but less than 20km/h | $442 | $99 | 3 points |
| By 20km/h but less than 30km/h | $899 | $99 | 5 points |
| By 30km/h or more | $1,635 | $99 | 7 points |
| By 45km/h or more* | $1,840 | $99 | 9 points |
*Exceeding the speed limit by 45km/h also incurs a six month on the spot licence disqualification and the Police may also wheel clamp or impound the offender's vehicle.
Last updated in July 2023. For more information on penalties, visit the state government's My Licence website.
Disobeying traffic lights
| Offence | Expiation Fee | Victims of Crime Levy | Demerit Points |
| Failing to stop for a red traffic light | $540 | $99 | 3 points |
| Failing to stop at a yellow traffic light | $540 | $99 | 3 points |
| Failing to stop at a red traffic arrow | $540 | $99 | 3 points |
| Failing to stop at a yellow traffic arrow | $540 | $99 | 3 points |
Last updated in July 2023. For more information on penalties, visit the state government's My Licence website.
Driving an unregistered vehicle
| Offence | Expiation Fee | Victims of Crime Levy | Demerit Points |
| Driving unregistered vehicle | $457 | $99 | N/A |
| Driving uninsured vehicle (CTP)* | $845 | $99 | N/A |
*CTP is payable with your vehicle registration. If you fail to pay your registration on time, you have a 31-day grace period, after which your vehicle becomes uninsured.
Last updated in July 2023. For more information on penalties, visit the state government's My Licence website.
Seatbelts/mobile phones
Failing to wear your own seatbelt as a driver, or ensuring passengers are restrained (adults or children)
| Offence | Expiation Fee | Victims of Crime Levy | Demerit Points |
| Driver failing to wear seatbelt | $422 | $99 | 3 points |
| One passenger unrestrained | $422 | $99 | 3 points |
| More than one passenger unrestrained | $499 | $99 | 5 points |
Using a mobile phone
| Offence | Expiation Fee | Victims of Crime Levy | Demerit Points |
| Using mobile phone | $540 | $99 | 3 points |
Last updated in July 2023. For more information on penalties, visit the state government's My Licence website.
Road rules tips
Find out more in sa move –
the RAA magazine
What to do after a crash?
What to do after a fine?
Why you should buckle up?
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Things you should know
While our staff can provide information on motoring and road rules, we can't provide legal advice. Free legal advice is available by calling the Legal Services Commission on 1300 366 424.